DHAKA: New Zealand XI beat Bangladesh by three wickets in the tour match at Cobham Oval, Whangarei on Thursday.

In response to Bangladesh-set a 246-run target, the host scored 247 runs for seven wickets with 8 balls remaining.  

BS Smith scored 50, Bharat Popli 45 and BJ Horne took not out 60 runs.

Shakib Al Hasan picked up 3 wickets while Mustafizur Rahman took 2.

Earlier Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza won the toss and opted to bat first.

Imrul Kayes scored 36, Soumya Sarkar 40, Mahmudullah    43 (retired), Shakib Al Hasan    23, Mushfiqur Rahim    45 and Mashrafe Mortaza took not out    21.    

BR Hampton and S Hicks bagged 2 wickets each.    

Besides, Bangladesh will begin the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at Christchurch on December 26.  

*Bangladeshis set New Zealand XI 246-run target*

BDST: 1335 HRS, DEC 22, 2016
SMS/AP